David Wesley Gilmore

Born on March 15, 1951, in Carman, Manitoba to Bert and Nancy Gilmore, David spent his early years in a lively household alongside his three brothers and one sister.

David graduated high school in Winnipeg and attended the University of Winnipeg before heading north to work in the mines with his brother Glenn. It was there he gained the nickname “Bristles,” a good-natured jab at a short-lived attempt to grow a beard. He later joined Manitoba Hydro, earning his journeyman’s ticket as a lineman—a trade he practiced with pride.

In 1974, David met the love of his life, Lila Judd. The two were married on March 22, 1975. Perhaps after being treed up a hydro pole by a polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba, David made the wise decision to transfer to BC Hydro in 1976. He and Lila settled first in Prince George, where they welcomed their daughters, Janis and Katherine, before making Pitt Meadows their home in 1984. David worked with BC Hydro until his retirement in 2011.

David was a man of many passions. He loved motorcycles—buying his first in high school, and then another one to “celebrate” his one-month wedding anniversary with Lila. He was a lifelong reader and enjoyed a spirited game of cribbage, particularly in the company of his father and brothers. He never turned down a good cup of coffee, no matter the hour.

Nothing captured David’s imagination like airplanes and flying. This included building and crashing model airplanes with his local flying club, where he often used his pole climbing spurs to rescue planes that landed in the trees instead of on the landing strip. His daughters recall spending many cold and foggy mornings with him at the flying field as well. A cherished memory was riding in a P-51 Mustang at the Oshkosh airshow—an experience he talked about for years.

David was a man of quiet strength and gentle wit. Patient and observant, he had a meticulous way of approaching everything he did—whether it was fixing something around the house, building model planes, or simply listening to someone who needed to talk. Though soft-spoken, his dry sense of humor often caught people by surprise, and his kind and steady presence was a grounding force for those around him.

In retirement, David found joy in exploring new places with Lila, visiting with longtime friends, spoiling his grandchildren, and walking along the banks of the Fraser River.

David is predeceased by his parents, Bert and Nancy; his sister, Judy; and his in-laws, Harry and Jean Judd. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Lila; his daughters, Janis Livesey (Adam) and Katherine Hadley (Erik); and his four cherished grandchildren, Brett, Devyn, Reina, and Benton. He is also survived by his brothers Glenn (Alice), Russell (Holly), and Roy, as well as extended family and many dear friends.

As per David’s wishes, no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army of Canada.